Autoblog

BREAKING: Detroit News says GM will build Cadillac Converj

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Cadillac, GM, Design/Style, Electric, Luxury, Electric

2009 Cadillac Converj concept - click above for high-res gallery

After much hemming and hawing, General Motors will reportedly build a version of the Cadillac Converj, the gorgeous but awkwardly named extended-range coupe concept first shown at last year's Detroit Auto Show. According to The Detroit News, the Converj will probably take a few years to reach dealer showrooms, as GM will first direct its efforts on launching the Chevrolet Volt, the more affordable sedan with which it is likely to share much of its Voltec drivetrain architecture.

From where we sit, the Converj seems like a natural move for GM, as Cadillac's higher margins should help offset the research, development, and production costs of everything from the Volt's lithium ion batteries to its motors and control modules. For its part, however, Cadillac is still declining to comment on the story, and the DetNews story doesn't name a source.

Either way, GM vice chairman Bob Lutz has previously gone on record as a champion of a production Converj, and he has said that a serial version would look very similar to the 2009 showcar - in much the same way that the Camaro evolved from concept to production. As the concept was gorgeous, we're down with that - we only hope it doesn't take as long to build as the Bowtie's broad-shouldered muscle car.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

Gallery: Cadillac Converj concept

[Source: The Detroit News]

BREAKING: Detroit News says GM will build Cadillac Converj originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO]

Chris Paukert — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, China, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac

Cadillac's V-Day stunt driving exhibition - Click above to watch the video

Although things are understandably more than bit somber in General Motors' U.S. operations as of late, over in China, the mood is a bit more upbeat. The evidence? Check out this CTS stunt-driving exhibition held last weekend on Shanghai's Formula One circuit.

According to GM's Cadillac Notes blog, some 19,000 fans gathered to watch the show and celebrate the arrival of the CTS-V in China last weekend - this, despite the heat (with temperatures at around 86°, it was reportedly the hottest May 9 in over a century).

In any case, the professional Hollywood stunt team delighted the masses, as did GM test engineer supremo John Heinricy, who (aside from apparently not being all-the-way retired), marked the occasion by setting a record in the CTS-V for the quickest-ever lap (2:32.80) of the course in a production sedan. Heck, even Spider-Man showed up! Check out the high-res hijinks in our below. Thanks for the tip, Scot!

UPDATE: YouTube video of V-Day added after the jump.

Gallery: Cadillac V-Day in Shanghai

[Sources: Cadillac Notes; YouTube]

Continue reading Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO]

Shanghai Surprise: Cadillac CTS stunt team dazzles in China, Heinricy sets F1 track record [*UPDATED w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cadillac to base new sub-CTS on front-drive Epsilon II platform

Noah Joseph — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac

2008 Cadillac BLS Wagon - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Just a year ago, the future of Cadillac's line-up looked pretty bright. By 2010, the CTS would spawn coupe and wagon versions, the "super-Theta" platform SRX would replace its Sigma-based predecessor, the Escalade would get a Lambda-based replacement and the Converj would come to market. Cadillac was also tipped to launch a new small sedan to slot in below the CTS using the new rear-drive Alpha platform, plus a new larger sedan to replace the aging DTS and STS models. However while the CTS derivatives, the new SRX, Escalade and Converj are all still in the works, drastic cutbacks at GM have meant the Alpha and DTS/STS successor have been canned. In their place, the next-gen. CTS is expected to grow larger, while a new front/all-wheel-drive sports sedan is now tipped to enter into the mix.

In order to make the Alpha compact rear-drive platform feasible, GM would have needed to spread development costs across several of its divisions, but many of those brands - chiefly Pontiac and Saturn - are now facing the axe, while its European assets Saab and Opel are on their way out the door. So what is a downsized GM planning for Cadillac instead? Using the next-generation Epsilon II platform, the replacement for the European-market BLS is tipped to come home to roost, positioned between the new Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac CTS. With its advanced turbo-diesel programs also on hold, the General realizes it lacks the resources to produce a serious contender for the European market, so expect a decidedly more American approach when the new small Caddy hits the market late in 2011 as a 2012 model with a price tag of around $35,000.

[Source: Motor Trend]

REPORT: Cadillac to base new sub-CTS on front-drive Epsilon II platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list

Chris Paukert — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Sedan, Performance, Technology, Cadillac

Perhaps as part of a thoughtful move to combine two of the major aspects of the Autoblog lifestyle, Cadillac has just announced that it will offer full WiFi access in its CTS sport sedan beginning next month.

The dealer-installed option will cost $499, and Cadillac says the Autonet Mobile system will effectively turn the CTS into a 3G hotspot with speeds of up to 800Kbps. Naturally, there's a monthly charge associated with the service, but $29 a month for a stylish, leather-lined mobile command center doesn't strike us as too bad of a deal, especially when the WiFi is capable of handling multiple devices simultaneously. No word yet on whether existing CTS owners can retrofit their cars, but considering this is a dealer-installed add-on, we imagine it's possible. If not, there's always the aftermarket.

Now, if we could only get Cadillac to consider fitting a Nespresso machine, we'd have all the tools of the trade!

Continue reading Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list

Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe spotted testing

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Cadillac

"Blue skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face!" Why the singing? Despite the recent stoppage of further development on high performance vehicles, it looks like the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe might make it out of the barn before the doors are shut.

While we would have settled for the uninterrupted arrival of the CTS Coupe, the fact that a mule has been spied running around with V-Series markings is all the more exciting. Perhaps the all-conquering V-Series of the two door CTS was already too far underway to scrap, or perhaps the badging on the mule is just a reminder of quashed dreams. Thanks for the tip, Walt.

[Source: Autoweek Photo: Chris Doane/Priddy]

Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS-V Coupe spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stolen car vandalized, thief complains to cops

Michael Harley — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Cadillac, First Drive, Lifestyle

In yet another indication that thieves may boast more skill and luck than overall intelligence, a 22-year-old Somers, Connecticut, resident in possession of a stolen Cadillac STS complained to authorities that someone had broken the window on "his" car. Of course, it took the police just a few minutes to determine that there were some serious holes in the thief's story, and maybe more than a small bit of air inside the young man's head.

Although the self-proclaimed "victim" was in possession of the Caddy's keys, there was no supporting documentation proving ownership, or that he was in the process of purchasing the vehicle from an Avis rental agency, as he claimed. In fact, just how the shady character expected to make those payments on a $50,000 car was in question -- his "employment" was all arranged through a local temp agency. Long story short, the rental agency just so happened to be missing one Cadillac STS, and it didn't take them long to press charges.

Instead of sitting behind the wheel of America's finest luxury marque, the vandal finds himself sitting in jail today, unable to post bail of just $3,500... it may be time to call the agency for another temp position. Thanks for the tip, Keith!

[Source: Courant]

Stolen car vandalized, thief complains to cops originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Better than a moose head on the wall: Classic Car shelves

Dan Roth — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Classics, Etc., Toys/Games

Now you don't have to leave the lovely visage of your favorite ponycar languishing in the dark of the garage anymore. California Car Cover Company is offering shelves that pay homage to Shoebox Chevies, '59 Caddies, C3 Corvettes and '65 Mustangs, so you now have a boomeriffic place to stash various and sundry little bits that would otherwise clutter a more pedestrian shelf. Prices range from $19.99 to $79.99, far less than even a set of sparkplugs for the old clunker that's spent the last decade and a half leaking on your driveway, and we bet that it'll take less time to mount one of these to the wall than it will to get that old Quadrabog rebuilt and tuned.

[Source: CalCarCover]

Better than a moose head on the wall: Classic Car shelves originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: The Cadillac Provoq shows its face in the Midwest

Eric Bryant — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Green, Crossover, Cadillac

click above for more live high-res images of the Cadillac Provoq Concept

We've already covered Cadillac's Provoq E-Flex fuel-cell vehicle during its first public appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show last week, but GM also rolled it across the stage here in Detroit. There were no additional technical details or hints towards production plans (either for the E-Flex powertrain or the BRX crossover that this design represents), but we at least got to spend a few minutes up close and personal with the concept to snap some shots of the whiter-than-the-pure-driven-snow interior. Also note the chromed cowl vent. Oh, and the Provoq wears what has to be the skinniest tires we've seen on a concept car in recent memory.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Cadillac Provoq concept - Live Reveal

Detroit 2008: The Cadillac Provoq shows its face in the Midwest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V unveiling w/ live shots

Eric Bryant — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:37:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Cadillac

Update: Video of the CTS-V live reveal are available after the jump.

Click the photo above for a gallery of live shots

If you look at the picture above, you can easily imagine Maximum Bob shouting, "I told you folks that it'd be spectacular!" Those of course were not his exact words during the intro of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, but the sentiment was approximately the same.

We've already covered the technical details, but in case anyone has been disconnected from the world for the past week, here's what is important - 550 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque from the supercharged LSA 6.2L V8, huge Brembo brakes front and rear, Magnetic Ride Control suspension, and a choice of a manual or automatic (each carrying six forward ratios). Huge Michelin Pilot radials wrap the 19" wheels, and inside are a pair of seriously sporty Recaro buckets with 14-way adjustment. If there has ever been a four-door embodiment of the Corvette spirit, this is it.

We've already started behaving well, just in case Santa is thinking of bringing us one next Christmas. Rest assured, though, that our behavior behind the wheel of the CTS-V would earn us several years of coal in our stocking along with a revoked driver's license - and it'd be worth it.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V - Live Reveal

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V unveiling w/ live shots

Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V unveiling w/ live shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt preview: Volkswagen Caddy Max and Max Life

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:34:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen

Although it's certainly not the sexiest thing to come out of Frankfurt thus far, the new Volkswagen Caddy Maxi MPV still deserves (a little) note. Produced by VW's Commercial Vehicles group, the Maxi Life is a step below the Transporter, built atop a 320 mm wheelbase and stretching a full 4,880 mm, the Maxi Life has all the practical conveniences you'd expect of your typical Euro-MPV, including sliding doors, rugged materials, and now, a set of third row seats.

Power will come from one of three engines, either a 1.6-liter gasoline-powered mill producing 100 HP, a 1.9-liter TDI making 103 HP or a new two-liter diesel that's making upwards of 140 HP.

While the commercial versions that ditch the windows will be released sometime in 2008, those of you pining away for an incognito people mover will be able to get your hands on the new Maxi in the early part of next year.

VW's full press release is after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Frankfurt preview: Volkswagen Caddy Max and Max Life

Frankfurt preview: Volkswagen Caddy Max and Max Life originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Escalade EXT tops list of most stolen luxury vehicles

Chris Shunk — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Cadillac, GM

There are many different ways you can determine a vehicle's success, like sales volume, the amount of days on the lot it takes to sell the vehicle, or the number of rebates (or lack thereof) on the hood. One less desirable measure of a vehicle's cache however, is the rate at which it is stolen. And if you go by that, boy oh boy, is the Cadillac Escalade popular.

Each year, the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) assembles data of the average theft loss rates for vehicles in every price range, which includes everything from the theft of wheels, radios, and other components to the whole car itself. Dan Leinert at Forbes assembled a list of the top seven luxury vehicles in terms of theft loss rates, and the Escalade EXT is far and above the most popular vehicle for thieves. While the mean theft loss rate spanning vehicles of all price ranges carries a score of 100, the Escalade checks in at a staggering 1728. This number, which is highest in the luxury category, is even more impressive when considering that the number two vehicle, the BMW 7-Series, received a score of 431.

Also amazing is that almost one quarter of all Escalade theft reports total over $40,000, which means thieves are taking the whole car. The average claim amount for an Escalade is almost $18,000, which is over $14,000 per claim more than the Ford Taurus, which owns the lowest claim frequency. Big theft items on Cadillac's best-selling SUV are those super-bling 22' rims, and the 'Slade's backseat DVD player.

Of all the Escalade variants, the EXT pickup has the worst theft rate of all, with an overall rate 16 times higher than average. We knew the Escalade was popular, but we didn't think it would go this far. Check out Forbes' list of the luxury vehicles with the highest theft rate after the jump.

[Source: Forbes]

Continue reading Escalade EXT tops list of most stolen luxury vehicles

Escalade EXT tops list of most stolen luxury vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Auto Show: The stunning new Cadillac CTS

Eric Bryant — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Cadillac

click above image to view our high-resolution gallery with 52 images

With the way that GM bigwigs have been talking up the 2008 Cadillac CTS, one could be forgiven for thoughts that the car might not live up to the hype; however, one glance at Caddy's new entry-level sedan should dispel the notion that this car is anything but world-class.

To introduce the next step in Cadillac's brand revival, GM trotted out approximately 50 members of the design and engineering teams to talk about the work that went into this vehicle. The 3.6L High Feature (HF) V6 will feature direction injection and is good for over 300 HP on regular gasoline. It'll be backed by GM's new 6-speed automatic. A large amount of attention was paid to the team's efforts in reducing NVH and visible panel gaps; given GM's recent progress in these areas, we expect good things from this vehicle.

Follow the jump for more thoughts on the CTS and no less than three official press releases from General Motors providing more detail, and visit our high-resolution photo gallery for 52 desktop-wallpaper sized images.

For our comprehensive listing of everything from Detroit, click here.

Continue reading Detroit Auto Show: The stunning new Cadillac CTS

Detroit Auto Show: The stunning new Cadillac CTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac set to fortify European lineup

Alex Nunez — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 08:06:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Europe, Crossover, Cadillac

The all-new Cadillac Escalade will be the first vehicle to hit the ground in Europe as the American luxo-marque initiates stage two of its European invasion. It'll appear in showrooms at the end of the year, joined by the all-wheel-drive STS, which will be offered for the first time. Also in '06, the Cadillac BLS gets a 6-speed manual and the automatic is given a sport mode.

After the ball drops in Times Square, Q1 2007 will see the arrival of the SRX with its spiffy new interior and a rear-wheel-drive version. The rear-driver supplements the AWD version that is currently available on the Continent. The product blitz concludes with an attack by Cadillac's V-Series cruise missiles. The 448-horse, wind-in-your-hair XLR-V comes first, followed by the even more potent STS-V (476 hp) shortly thereafter.

Why is Cadillac throwing down the gauntlet with a bunch of V8-powered machines in Europe, where smaller cars and diesel power dominate the roads? Well, their stated goal of producing vehicles that equal or surpass the quality of their European competition is no secret. For them to do that, they're going to have to go play in the competition's backyard.

Besides, no one says a peep about the European automakers' vehicles that Cadillac is competing against, many of which are available with thirsty gasoline V8s of their own. For Cadillac to make progress on the other side of the Atlantic, they have to bring their best, which is precisely what they're doing. We'll keep an eye on how things go.

(Cadillac press release after the jump)

[Source: Cadillac via Inside Line]

Continue reading Cadillac set to fortify European lineup

Cadillac set to fortify European lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Sep 2006 08:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac BLS a bust in Europe?

John Neff — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, GM, Saab

Despite lowering expectations for its Euro-only BLS sedan all the way down to around 7,000 to 10,000 units annually, it appears Cadillac was still a bit too optimistic with the car's chances for success in the old country. The FWD sedan that's based on the Saab 9-3 and built alongside the Swede in the company's Trollhatan factory has sold a little over 400 units after being on sale since April, with the month of May being its first full sales month. Trollhatan has slowed its production of the car down to 30 units a week. When the BLS launched the factory was producing that many cars per day. At this pace GM/Saab is on track to produce only 1,560 cars a year, a number well off any of GM's original targets. Despite the slow start, the BLS is still the best selling Cadillac in Europe so far this year. The BLS has also been fairly well received by the European automotive press and dealers are reporting many requests for test drives, so don't count out Cadillac's chances for success in Europe just yet.

Thanks to Ulf for the tip and translating the original source from Swedish.

[Source: Ekonomi & Politik]

Cadillac BLS a bust in Europe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Buffett is impressed by Rick Wagoner and buys a Caddy to prove it

Eric Bryant — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Cadillac, GM

Warren Buffett was impressed after watching CEO Rick Wagoner's performance on CBS's "Face the Nation" a couple of months ago. So, the Oracle of Omaha faxed a note to Wagoner praising him for his work in front of the TV cameras, and promised that his next vehicle would be a Cadillac. Buffett apparently has kept his promise, recently sending out his daughter to pick up a new DTS - a sign that he's "behind GM 100%".

Now, we admire Buffett and his investment savvy, and we understand that one doesn't earn $42B by spending irresponsibly (he's said to still live in the house he bought back in 1957). But let us make it very clear that if we ever have an eleven-figure bank balance and find the urge to buy a Cadillac, we will skip right past the DTS and find ourselves zipping around Nebraska in a nice Cadillac STS-V.

[Source: Money/CNN]

Warren Buffett is impressed by Rick Wagoner and buys a Caddy to prove it originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jun 2006 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac BLS taken for spin in old country

John Neff — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Cadillac, GM, Saab

(Photo by Lee Brimble)

The BLS is the first ever euro-only Cadillac, the purpose of which is to sop up some extra capacity at Saab's Trollhattan plant where the 9-3 is having a tough time keeping workers busy. Basically a reskinned and retuned 9-3, the BLS had us hoping that Cadillac had a unique and compelling offering for the European market in which GM is currently doing pretty well. Unfortunately that doesn't seem the case.

A review of the BLS is up on Inside Line in which Alistair Weaver rips the car a new one knocking it for its bland interior, disconnected handling and subpar diesel. While calling the BLS a bad car outright, Weaver shows that it doesn't have the pedigree to go up against the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. Cadillac appears aware of the car's shortcomings as its sales expectations are extremely low. Only 400 units, for instance, are expected to find a home in the U.K. this year. The BLS isn't going to be sold in the U.S., but apparently we're not missing much.

[Source: Inside Line]

Cadillac BLS taken for spin in old country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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